Editor-in-chief of ReviewFix.com, Patrick Hickey Jr., joins The Mark Out to discuss the Dudley Boyz Tag Team Classic video game tournament set for next Friday, December 9, at Brooklyn Video Games in Bay Ridge.
With several tournaments under ReviewFix's belt, Hickey talks about how partnering with Brooklyn Video Games has brought gamers together and how next week's No Mercy tournament on Nintendo 64 figures to do the same.
"I figured with the Dudley Boyz retiring from the WWE this year, it would be a good time to commemorate them," Hickey said.
Hickey also covers the involvement of Tier 1 wrestling, giveaways, and the possibility of future tournaments.
Listen in below:
Former UFC fighter and current EVOLVE superstar Matthew Riddle joins the podcast to cover a variety of topics. Following his physical bout vs. Caleb Konley at Tier 1 Wrestling's 'Meteoric' event recently, Riddle discussed his jump from MMA to wrestling, why he's not signed to WWE and why he'd turned an offer to join them, being denied a spot on the Cruiserweight Classic, and so much more. Also, next week's guest is revealed.
Before last Wednesday's Tampa Bay Rays vs. Los Angeles of Anaheim baseball game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, current Ring of Honor World champion and Tampa resident, Jay Lethal, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Lethal has held the ROH World championship for 387 days. Most recently, Lethal defeated Jay Briscoe at ROH's Best in the World and Kyle O'Reilly the following night to retain his championship.
The 31-year-old Lethal is scheduled to defend his championship against independent wrestling legend Colt Cabana on July 16 at Aftershock in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
For Information on all upcoming Ring of Honor events visit ROHWrestling.com.
Photo by Sulaiman Larrokko
"The Product" David Starr joins the podcast and it's definitely an emotional roller coaster. For starters, Starr shares his experience from the European tour he recently finished -- the first of his career -- and the impressions he got working around the world. Also, a proud Jewish man, Starr talks about his visit to a concentration camp and how it helped him appreciate his religion. The several-time tag team champion also talks about a recent incident with fans at a CZW show in which he lost his cool and went viral with an animated response to their alleged racist comments. Also, Starr tells the wrestling world which European wrestlers are on the cusp of greatness, his future, recent TNA/ROH tryouts, and so much more. Plus, Mark Suleymanov weighs in on the recent Ariel Helwani controversy.
Former NFL player and current Reality of Wrestling competitor Brennan Williams (aka Marcellus Black) joins The Mark Out Podcast for an exclusive interview. Williams gives an update on his training with Booker T's ROW promotion, how he developed his character, his status with WWE following a February tryout, Japan, and so much more. Plus, Mark Suleymanov gives his thoughts on AJ Styles' heel turn and reveals next week's guest.
TNA IMPACT Wrestling's newest superstar, Caleb Konley, joins The Mark Out Podcast to discuss his newest home. The well-traveled, decade-long veteran talks about his journey from North Carolina, to one of the top wrestling promotions around. Konley also talks about being trained by his dad (a former pro wrestler and musician), his time at EVOLVE, Full Impact Pro, Paragon Pro Wrestling, how long his TNA deal is and so much more.
[Image via Tabercil| Wikimedia Commons| Cropped and Resized | CC BY-SA 3.0 ]
Future WWE Global Cruiserweight Series competitor Lince Dorado returns for the second part of The Mark Out Podcast's exclusive interview. "The Golden Lynx of Lucha Libre" talks about his newfound understanding for masks, wrestling without a mask, working for TNA, his goals for the future and the impact guys like Chis Hero, Cesaro, and El Pantera had on his career. Also, host Mark Suleymanov gives his candid take on the Ryback/WWE situation and why "The Big Guy" is in the wrong. The podcast is currently available on PodOMatic, Stitcher, and iTunes. You can also like the Facebook fan page and follow on Twitter (@AMarkOutPodcast) for all the latest information about the podcasts, future guests, and more.
BAY RIDGE -- "The Man of Steel" Mike Verna had a night for the ages at Five Borough Wrestling's (FBW) Proving Ground on Friday night, defeating longtime rival Talon and later winning the promotion's championship in the main event.
FBW general manager PJ Stackpole addressed the crowd to start the show; alongside the menacing DJ Hyde. Stackpole, disappointed by the outcome of the 30-man over the top rope battle royal at Standing Tall, called Verna, Talon, and Rude Boy Riley to the ring. Stackpole berated the trio of superstars and made some late changes.
For starters, Stackpole announced that Anthony Gangone, the winner of the battle royal, would be invoking his right to challenge for the world title.
Also, instead of Verna and Talon's original bout against the Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) Tag Team champions TV Ready (Pepper Parks/BLK Jeez), the two men were pitted against each other in a one-on-one match. The winner would be added to the evening's main event bout for the FBW championship. The loser would be fired.
Finally, if Riley defeated former NXT superstar Bull James (Dempsey), he would also be added to the main event.
Verna pinned Talon in the show's opening contest after hitting his signature sit-down spinebuster. Reluctantly celebrating his victory, Verna seemed conflicted about the win and the implications it had of ending Talon's FBW stint. After the match, Stackpole -- who was sitting ringside with Hyde -- extended his hand to Talon but received a middle finger instead. Hyde took out Talon with a vicious lariat.
Hyde remained in the ring as he was a part of the next match, an FBW Five-Way that included Logan Black, Mike Donovan, Joe Gacy and Rex Lawless. A lot of high-flying action came in this match but Hyde, with his signature lariat to Donovan, was victorious.
The next match was upstart Maxwell Jacob Feinstein facing IMPACT Wrestling's newest signee, Caleb Konley. Konley was in control throughout most of the match, using his crisp style of offense to keep the brash youngster off balance. However, in a surprising twist, MJF pinned Konley after spearing "The Obsession" in mid air.
Bay Ridge native Kevin Matthews took on Crusade for Change (CFC) member Darius Carter in the next bout. Matthews was vocal throughout the match, mentioning his WWE developmental stint and that he got former NXT head trainer Bill DeMott fired. Carter seemed finished following Matthews' signature Ego Driver but fellow CFC member Anthony Gangone interfered. The distraction provided Carter with the breathing room he needed, hitting Matthews with the Foreclosure (Codebreaker) for the win.
In the final match before intermission, "The Product" David Starr made his FBW return to face "The Dirty Daddy" Chris Dickinson. The fans and their colorful streamers filled the ring as the two technicians exchanged droves of their signature moves. Starr won the match following after hitting Dickinson with a brainbuster onto his knee.
Before the action resumed, Dickinson and Milk Chocolate member Randy Summers hit the ring to announce the winner of the evening's 50/50 raffle. The raffle was designed to help Summers' tag team partner Brandon Watts as he suffered a serious neck injury. An emotional Summers thanked the crowd but Dickinson heard enough and assaulted Summers, saying he's sick of people like him and that he will end up next to Watts in the hospital.
The FBW Tag Team championship match was the first match after intermission as CFC (TJ Marconi and Stockade) retained the titles against Massage NV (VSK and Dorian Graves), and the unique pairing for BLK Jeez and "The Greek God" Papadon.
Riley's bid to be included in the main event was thwarted by James in the penultimate match of the night. Riley tried to get under James' skin throughout the match, at one point shouting "EVEN NXT DIDN'T WANT HIM!"
With Riley's loss, the main event became official: A fatal fourway featuring Verna, Gangone, Eddie Kingston, and champion Brian Myers.
The match took some time to get underway as Kingston was having a good time arguing with the fans. When the action commenced, it got physical and gruesome at times. Gangone suffered a deep cut above his forehead that later required five stitches but during the match, his entire forehead was covered in blood.
Kingston was determined to win the title, especially after his various Twitter exchanges with Myers before the show. There was a unique spot where all four men went for a superkick at once, ending with all four men kicked in the jaw, falling on their back as the crowd erupted. CFC interfered but could not stop Verna who pinned Gangone following a sitout spinebuster for the victory.
Myers congratulated Verna in the ring but he and Kingston continued their war of words, possibly indicating that their rivalry still has more chapters to be written.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Side Notes
- Both Sami Callihan (injury) and Brian Cage (scheduling conflict) were pulled about a week before the show. Callihana adressed the matter on Twitter, promising the FBW fans he would appear at a later date.
Apology to the fans of @fiveboroughwres, & @XciteWrestling. I have to pull out of next weeks events. I WILL be there soon to make up 4 it!
- Milk Chocolate member Brandon Watts suffered a serious neck injury at Beyond Wrestling just days before the show. FBW hosted a 50/50 raffle during Proving Ground to help with Watts' medical expenses. His partner, Randy Summers, also announced that a show in Watts' honor would be held in the future as another means of helping him. Watts is expected to miss anywhere from three to six months of in-ring time.
- Brian Myers' reign as FBW Heavyweight champion was the second longest in the company's history -- a mere five days short of surpassing Papadon's reign (via CageMatch.net). Anthony Nese is the only other wrestler to hold the championship. Myers had high praise for the new FBW champion, Mike Verna, after the show.
It's was a wild ride being the @fiveboroughwres Champion. The title is in good hands w/ @ManOfSteelMV though. Do it proud brother. #LGM
- With the win, Verna now holds the FBW, Fighting Spirit Wrestling, and Dynasty Pro Wrestling Heavyweight titles.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Quick Results
Pre-Show
Vinny Pacifico def. TK Luther the 5th
Sonny Kiss def. Jared Evans
Main Card
Mike Verna def. Talon
Five Borough Five-Way: DJ Hyde def. Mike Donovan, Logan Black, Rex Lawless, and Joe Gacy
Maxwell Jacob Feinstein def. Caleb Konley
Darius Carter def. Kevin Matthews
David Starr def. Chris Dickinson Five Borough Wrestling Tag Team Championships: Crusade for Change (TJ Marconi/Stockade) def. Massage NV (VSK/Dorian Graves) and BLK Jeez/Papadon
Bull James def. Rude Boy Riley
Five Borough Wrestling Heavyweight Championship: Mike Verna def. Anthony Gangone, Eddie Kingston and Brian Myers
[Image via Tabercil| Wikimedia Commons| Cropped and Resized | CC BY-SA 3.0 ]
Well-traveled Lucha libre competitor Lince Dorado joins The Mark Out Podcast for the first of a two-part interview. Dorado, having competed for promotions such as CHIKARA, TNA, EVOLVE, Dragon Gate USA, FIP, and others, will be a part of the WWE Global Cruiserweight Series show on WWE Network. In this first part, he talks about how he found out he would be on the show, his costumes, growing up in a rough neighborhood and more. Dorado shares a heart-wrenching story about losing his father and grandfather in the same year and how he's been able to make a career in wrestling. Also, host Mark Suleymanov gives his take on WWE Monday Night RAW and how the WWE Payback card is shaping up.
I woke to the sad news today that wrestling legend Joanie 'Chyna' Laurer has sadly passed away. The star, who was only 45, was found in her house in Redondo Beach, CA after returning recently from Japan. While much focus on her life will be about what happened after her WWE career, it is important to remember the wrestler 'Chyna.'
Her personal Twitter page released an official statement, "It is with deep sadness to inform you today that we lost a true icon, a real life superhero ... She will live forever in the memories of her millions of fans and all of us that loved her.". Chyna was a woman who became known as being able to walk in a man’s world and would often match the men in the ring.
Though her real name is Joanie Laurer, she became Chyna in 1997 when she joined WWE. She was trained by Killer Kowalski before entering the shows as a bodyguard for Triple H. She soon became an integral part of D-Generation X. Her towering presence was unique and gave women’s wrestling a new edge. She competed against some of the biggest names in the business, going one-on-one with names such as The Rock, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, and The Undertaker.
In 1999, she achieved a feat no woman has ever accomplished since, winning the Intercontinental Championship. She was also the only woman in contention for a WWE Championship belt; all because of her impressive physique. Unfortunately, her WWE career was cut short for reasons that are still not 100 percent clear. It is believed that she was in a relationship with Triple H until he started dating Stephanie McMahon. Chyna believed that Stephanie’s father and CEO Vince McMahon pushed her out to avoid any personal conflicts. This is denied but is the most likely reason. Stephanie McMahon was one of the first WWE executives to pass on condolences on Twitter, “I just heard the tragic news that @ChynaJoanLaurer has passed. She was truly a pioneer in our industry, and she will be missed. #RIPChyna.”
Chyna was left in a terrible position of being unable to use the name she built up. She turned to other industries to make her living, going under the name Chynna Doll for a period. She had a quick run in TNA alongside old friends Kurt Angle and Mick Foley in 2011. She was last known to be teaching English in Japan.
Chyna broke down gender barriers when it came to wrestling. She proved that a woman can share the ring with any man. The Divas division owes it success to pioneers like Chyna and now can boast focus on it at events such as Wrestlemania like never before. There may not be anyone like her in the division at the moment but the increased awareness of women in WWE.
I will leave the last words to her stablemate, ex-boyfriend and the man who scouted her, Triple H. “Someone who wasn't afraid to blaze her own trail & create a path for those who would follow. A pioneer whose star shined bright. #RIPChyna,”
Christopher Daniels is back for the second part of the Mark Out Podcast's interview with the wrestling legend. Daniels gives his thoughts on NJPW, AJ Styles' WWE run, why he never had a long WWE stint, the New Day, ROH, and so much more. Plus, host Mark Suleymanov drops a big hint about next week's guest.
The podcast is currently available on PodOMatic, Stitcher, and iTunes. You can also like the Facebook fan page and follow on Twitter (@AMarkOutPodcast) for all the latest information about the podcasts, future guests, and more.
This week on the Mark Out Podcast, the 25-year veteran of the squared circle, Christopher Daniels, talks about his decorated career. In the first part of a two-part interview, Daniels talks about a multitude of topics pertaining to his well-traveled career.
Daniels, 46, first talks about the longevity of his career and some of his proudest moments. Having spent a large chunk of his career with ROH, Daniels expresses his pleasure with the company and its growth. Also, Daniels talks about his time traveling with Daniel Bryan and possibly working with NXT after his in-ring career ends.
The Mark Out Podcast is back with a special Wrestlemania edition show. First, host Mark Suleymanov gives his predictions for both tonight's NXT Takeover: Dallas and Wrestlemania 32 this Sunday. Then, independent wrestling mainstay and NXT competitor Johnny Gargano joins the podcast for an exclusive interview.
Gargano, speaking before EVOLVE 57, talks about his career in wrestling which started when he was just eight years old. Then, he discusses his recent appearances on NXT, his status with WWE at the moment, being in tag teams with the likes of Tommaso Ciampa, Drew Galloway, and more.
This interview was recorded before Triple H announced the first entrants into WWE's Global Cruiserweight Series yesterday. However, Gargano discussed potentially being involved -- which he is -- and the wrestler he would love to face in the finals of the tournament.
WCW legend and head honcho of DDPYoga, Diamond Dallas Page is back for the second part of The Mark Out Podcast's exclusive interview. This week, DDP discusses a quote from a sports idol of his that inspired him recently, the DDPYoga app, who he wants to help with his fitness program, and so much more.
Make sure to listen to the end of the podcast for a hint regarding next week's guest.
The podcast is currently available on PodOMatic and iTunes. You can also like the Facebook fan page and follow on Twitter (@AMarkOutPodcast) for all the latest information about the podcasts, future guests, and more.
BROOKLYN, NY -- Making both their Brooklyn, New York and iPPV debut, Tier 1 Wrestling (T1W) brought a fast-paced, storyline-oriented style of professional wrestling to the American Legion at 5601 Avenue N as the company presented March To Victory last Sunday night.
Teaming with World Wrestling Network (WWN Live) for the first time, T1W had surprising twists and debuts prepared before the hot dogs were cooked and salt on the pretzels at concessions had settled.
In the opening bout, “Wrestling's Richest Prize” and Crusade for Change member Darius Carter defeated the energetic Fred Yehi. Yehi had his adversary off balance for most of the bout until an errant elbow brought Carter from the precipice of defeat. Carter finished off Yehi with his finisher, the Foreclosure (Codebreaker).
Celebrating his victory with a blissful arrogance, Carter was surprised by “The Juice” JT Dunn who was making his T1W debut. After a heated exchange, Dunn dropped Carter with Death by Elbow as the crowd let out an electric roar.
“The fans were treated to every style of pro-wrestling under the sun; some of their favorites, and some new faces,” T1W management said in a statement to The Mark Out after the show. “These talented guys and girls were exposed to fans all around the country and the world, and that's a huge success in our book.”
An action-packed six-way elimination bout featuring Gran Akuma, Black Baron, Joey Ace, "Colossal" Mike Law, Nutrious X and JustNeph was next. The action was all over the ring but Law and Nutrius X soared above it, keeping the crowd thrilled with various dives to the outside of the ring. At one point, all six men formed a tarantula like scene as everybody applied a submission hold.After chopping Akuma's chest to a near bloody pulp, the newcomer Baron rolled him up to win the bout.
The next bout was arguably the most violent as “The American Nightmare” Logan Black took on “The Elite Athlete” Mike Orlando (w/ Miss New York) in a street fight. Most of the match was fought on the outside, even spilling into the crowd. Former UFC fighter and current EVOLVE superstar Matt Riddle was checking out the match from the merchandise tables and aided Black with a water bottle.
With assistance from Juba – who was thought to be acting as security for Miss New York – Black defeated Orlando. Miss New York looked to be in danger before Booty and the Beast (Alex Mason & Sonny Kiss) made the save.
The VALKYRIE Women's Showcase bout pitting Aja "Super" Perera (w/Nina Monet) against 'The Clockwork Angel' Katred (w/Dementia DeRose) was short-lived and led directly to arguably the most anticipated showdown of the night. Perera won with a kick to the back of Katred's head.
EVOLVE champion Timothy Thatcher taking on NXT superstar, “The Psycho Killer” Tommaso Ciampa followed. This match was comprised of two parts: the first being a technical wrestling clinic and then an all-out brawl facilitated by Ciampa's mean streak. The viciousness of all the moves resonated throughout the building as fans were split 50/50.
On the verge of victory and a future T1W title shot, Ciampa was stopped by a jaw-shattering headbutt from Thatcher, putting him down for the three count. The crowd showed its appreciation for the two competitors and their physically grueling match – something that didn't go unnoticed with T1W officials.
“Fans can expect change,” T1W management added. “We want to keep things fresh. New faces. New matches, but always with a purpose. Once someone gets hooked here, they're always going to have something to follow. We pride ourselves developing careers rather than just being a pit-stop.”
The next bout was a fatal four-way tag team contest. Alex Mason/Sonny Kiss vs. Monkey Flip (Space Monkey/Travis Gordon) vs. Spring Street Suicide Squad (Ken Lee & Chris Crunk) vs. Milk Chocolate (Randy Summers & Brandon Watts) brought everything from pre-match rap battles (Summers vs. Crunk) and twerk-offs (Watts vs. Kiss) to in-match superkick parties. Monkey Flip edged out their competition after Gordon nailed a corkscrew moonsault.
“The Unpredictable” JGeorge vs. “Bonesaw” Jessie Brooks and vSk vs. “All Ego” Ethan Page were the final two bouts before the main event. JGeorge dominated Brooks for most of their Last Person Standing match, taunting her and disrespecting her -- a scene that appeared to make some in the crowd uncomfortable. However, Brooks couldn't exact her revenge as JGeorge's FEDERATED comrades (Ace Romero & vSK) interfered, costing her the match.
Page and a returning Fallah Bahh scared off FEDERATED from causing more damage. Bahh lured vSK back into the ring for his scheduled match with Page. There was conviction with each strike from Page as he was looking to put away vSK. However, "The Clockwork Angel" Katred, fresh off her loss earlier in the night, interfered and cost Page the match.
The main event was next. "The Fresh Prince of Shaolin" and T1W champion Rude Boy Riley took on "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese. With the T1W title on the line, Nese brought his swift kicks and instant offense, keeping Riley off balance early. Riley had the crowd firmly in his corner but the savvy veteran Nese seemingly had a counter to everything until he caught one of the champion's signature knees to the face.
With Riley in control, Nese seemed to create moves as he went, hitting Riley with a unique version of a pump handle slam -- still not enough for a win. A missed 450 splash proved to be Nese's mistake as Riley followed that mishap with a pop-up knee to the face for the win.
Gran Akuma assaulted Riley after the main event, laying out the champion with the Rubix Cube. The maneuver looked devastating as Riley was nearly dropped on his head. The crowd was stunned as T1W went off the air with their champion a mangled wreck.
Despite the ending, T1W, and its fans enjoyed arguably their most successful show yet and their partnerships and other ventures are booming.
"After 'March To Victory', it's safe to say that the relationship between Tier 1 and WWNLive is stronger than ever. It was a huge test for us, and everything went according to plan. We would say smoothly, but things are never smooth in this business. It's just the nature of the beast. The future holds more good business, that's for sure."
An announcement regarding the company's next show is expected for next week.
To watch this event, you can purchase it on iPPV at this link. For other recaps of this event, you can head on over to 411Mania,
Quick Results Darius Carter Brass Ring Invitational: Darius Carter defeated Fred Yehi via Foreclosure Six-Way Elimination Fray: Gran Akuma vs. Black Baron vs. Joey Ace vs. "Colossal" Mike Law vs. Nutrious X vs. JustNeph
Law eliminates JustNeph
Nutrious X pins Law
Baron pins Nutrious X
Akuma submits Ace
Baron pins Akuma for victory
Street Fight: Logan Black defeated Mike Orlando w/Miss New York Valkyrie Women's Professional Wrestling Showcase: Aja "Super" Perera w/Nina Monet defeated "The Clockwork Angel" Katred w/Dementia DeRose First Time Ever Attraction Bout: Timothy Thatcher defeated Tomasso Ciampa
Fatal Four-Way Tag Team Match: Monkey Flip (Space Monkey/Travis Gordon) defeated Booty and the Beast (Alex Mason/Sonny Kiss), Spring Street Suicide Squad (Ken Lee & Chris Crunk), and Milk Chocolate (Randy Summers & Brandon Watts).
Last Person Standing: "The Unpredictable" JGeorge defeated "Bonesaw" Jessie Brooks
Grudge Match: vSk defeated "All Ego" Ethan Page
T1W Title Match: Rude Boy Riley (c) defeated Tony Nese
The Mark Out is excited to announce the launch of the Mark Out Podcast. This podcast will be dedicated to providing weekly exclusive interviews with both prominent and up-and-coming names in professional wrestling.
Former WCW superstar and head honcho of DDPYoga, Diamond Dallas Page will be the podcast's first guest. In the first part of a two-part exclusive, Page talks about the Resurrection of Jake "The Snake" Roberts movie, Daniel Bryan's WWE retirement,
The podcast is currently available on PodOMatic and iTunes. You can also like the Facebook fan page and follow on Twitter (@AMarkOutPodcast) for all the latest information about the podcasts, future guests, and more.
Via The Inquisitr
After finding the right side of the tracks, Cliff Compton, formerly known as Domino in the WWE from 2007-2008, has developed into a popular performer on the independent circuit of professional wrestling.
Starting his training at Larry Sharpe's Monster Factory in Paulsboro, New Jersey, almost two decades earlier, Compton has experienced the glory of WWE championship gold and the uncertainty of smaller crowds, venues, and pay. Despite that, the well-traveled Compton has not lost his love for wrestling -- something he feels certain young wrestlers must first develop.
"Nowadays everybody wants to be on TV instantaneously and that's not the way it should be," said Compton before competing for Five Borough Wrestling in Brooklyn, New York earlier this month. "I was wrestling almost 10 years before I even considered going to WWE."
Listen to the interview below:
Film director/producer Mark Chervinsky's newest project is the documentary 'At What Cost? Anatomy of Professional Wrestling.' After dabbling in the production of various wrestling-related projects and mainstream television shows -- such as 'The Biggest Loser,' 'The Apprentice,' and more -- Chervinsky has completed a four-year journey that focuses on the trials and tribulations of being in the professional wrestling industry.
In this 95-minute documentary, Chervinsky leaves his Los Angeles home to scour the industry and talk to several notable performers, such as Diamond Dallas Page, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, Paul London, and more. In addition to several mainstays on the independent circuit, Chervinsky digs into the wrestlers' mind, trying to find their passion for the industry and all the sacrifices they have made in search of success.
Part 2 of The Mark Out's exclusive interview features Chervinsky describes the process of putting this documentary together, his impression of the business after completing it and more.
Listen to Part 2 below:
This movie is available now. You can either rent this movie ($3.99/72-hour stream period) or purchase the entire documentary ($9.99). You can do so at this link.
Stuart Tomlinson was a run of the mill lower league keeper. In 2013, he had to retire early with a cruciate ligament injury, and everyone would have expected him to struggle to find new employment. Instead, Tomlinson landed on his feet, and his back, in the WWE ring. Swapping Stoke for Florida, how did he find himself becoming the next big thing in wrestling, after such a mediocre football career?
Stuart Tomlinson began his goalkeeping at the famed Crewe Alexandra Academy. He was known for his flexibility and agility for such a big man. A shot-stopper, Tomlinson was able to kick balls with both feet, and if he didn’t know it yet, he was destined for wrestling. He began the journey on a ten-year career which saw him play for Crewe, Port Vale and Burton Albion. He played the FA Trophy final at Wembley, too.
[Image via Men's Health Magazine]
That should put him in good stead for the crowds of Wrestlemania.
As any self-respecting football fan will know, making fun of a fat goalkeeper is one of the joys of going to games -- and Tomlinson was no different. Chants about him perhaps being fat, though, were well wide of the mark. Tomlinson was hiding a physique born out of hours in the gym. This even leads him to pose on the front of Men’s Health magazine and carve out some success modelling. His real middle finger to those fans has been his transformation however into a wrestler. He leaves the fans who mocked him, in Crewe’s case who bookmakers are tipping as a favourite to go down, witnessing a relegation battle, while he jets off for sunny Florida and adoring American fans.
Hailing from Cheshire, England
Tomlinson’s first contact with WWE came a year before his career ending injury. Knowing about his modelling and physique, they contacted him and invited him to a trial at the O2 Arena in London. After showing what he was made of, they offered him a developmental contract, and with his football career going nowhere, Tomlinson bit their hand off and started his journey to becoming Hugo Knox.
Hugo Knox will be a bubbly fun character, according to the former goalkeeper. Dressed in polka dot trunks and dancing to the stage, he is hoping his British charm will win over fans. When he was training to be a keeper, he would train for maybe two hours per day, but at the WWE Development Centre in Orlando, Tomlinson does a lot more.
The extensive practices followed by weight training and the promo lessons take all day. It is not an easier career than his days in Burton or Stoke.Being able to talk in front of a restless crowd of thousands is always the a tough task. Prospective wrestlers enter the ring with a huge body as standard, so to stand out from the crowd, talking is imperative.
Tomlinson believes his time in front of the media as a goalkeeper will help him in this event. "Getting interviewed after a match stood me in good stead, especially when you're getting asked dodgy questions about losing 5-0 and it's all your fault.you have to engage with the audience. If you are confident in your delivery, people will believe it," Tomlinson told BBC Sport last month.
Hugo Knox made his debut in November 2014 and excited fans in a successful appearance at an NXT tour event. Tomlinson has certainly travelled a different route than most to the WWE, but when you understand the man he is, and the skills he possesses, you can’t help feeling that he has found his calling.
BROOKLYN, NY -- Tier 1 Wrestling will make its debut in Brooklyn, New York, as the promotion presents 'March to Victory' on Sunday, March 20th, from the American Legion at 5601 Avenue N, the company announced via press release on Tuesday.
Tony Nese [Photo by Sulaiman Larokko]
The card is set to feature a slew of exciting action, including a first time ever bout pitting current EVOLVE champion Timothy Thatcher against former Ring of Honor (ROH) champion "Unbreakable" Michael Elgin. Also, "The Premiere Athlete" Tony Nese will make his Tier 1 Wrestling debut to challenge for the promotion's title in a match that is to be determined.
Current Tier 1 Wrestling champion Rude Boy Riley defends his title against 'The International King of Swerve' Shane Strickland.on February 27th at Revival Pro Wrestling's 'Clear and Present Danger.' If Strickland wins the title, the match at 'March to Victory' will be a triple threat match. If Riley retains his championship, the title match will be a one-on-one contest versus Nese.
"We're incredibly excited to be bringing this show to the world via WWNLive.com," said Tier 1 Wrestling promoter Dennis Long. "We have a great list of talent that's hell-bent on breaking out and flipping the business on its ear, so it's definitely gonna be an exciting night."
This event will be the first time Tier 1 Wrestling can be watched live on iPPV. The triumvirate of EVOLVE 56, 'March to Victory,' and EVOLVE 57 can be viewed on WWNLive.com and those who order all three shows will get the chance to view a video on demand (VOD) of their choosing from WWNLive's library in addition to one of the past three Tier 1 Wrestling shows.
Names such as "All Ego" Ethan Page, Darius Carter, Nutrious X, VsK, Sonny Kiss, Milk Chocolate, "The Elite Athlete" Mike Orlando, and a soon-to-be-announced former ECW and WWE superstar are all scheduled to appear. For a full list of the names set for the show, you can view it at this link.
Having hosted their first three shows in Queens and Long Island, Tier 1 Wrestling will make it way to Brooklyn for the first time. With local promotions such as Five Borough Wrestling and others having hosted some classic shows and matches at the American Legion, Tier 1 Wrestling will look to follow suit.
"Brooklyn is becoming an increasingly popular destination for pro-wrestling, and it's known for being very progressive, so it's fitting that a company like Tier 1 is going to be taking center stage there," said Long. "We're very big on what we like to call 'The Youth Movement,' so putting some of pro-wrestling's most exciting young stars on display in Brooklyn is definitely going to be special."
In three short years, The Mark Out has grown from a small, opinion based blog, to providing wrestling fans some of best exclusive content on the web. Not only has The Mark Out been credentialed to a litany of pro wrestling events, we've interviewed some of the biggest names in the profession.
From WWE Hall of Famers Bob Backlund and Lita to AJ Styles, John Morrison, Ken Shamrock, The Young Bucks, and Mr. Anderson, The Mark Out will continue to interview wrestling's biggest superstars.
Many of the interviews on The Mark Out have been featured on some of the biggest wrestling news sites around, including Wrestlezone.com, EWrestlingNews.com, Wrestling Inc.com, LordsOfPain.net and so many more.
